Which documents you need to transport a horse
Updated: 13.10.2026
A short overview of what to check before a trip. The rules depend on the situation (whether the transport is commercial, how long it is, whether you cross a border), so confirm them for your specific trip with the Latvian Food and Veterinary Service (PVD) or your vet.
1. Horse passport — always
The horse must be identified (passport and microchip), and the passport travels with the horse — even on a short trip within Latvia.
2. Paid transport — the transporter’s documents
When a transporter moves a horse as part of an economic activity (for payment), EU Regulation No 1/2005 and the Latvian animal transport rules apply. Usually the transporter needs an animal transporter authorisation from PVD (for short journeys up to 8 hours or for long journeys) and the driver needs a certificate of competence for transporting animals. Long journeys also need a vehicle approval.
You can always ask the transporter whether they have these documents. On HHB, the “Verified by HHB” badge means HHB has checked the documents the carrier submitted.
3. Moving your own horse yourself
If you move your own horse for your own purposes (not for payment), Regulation No 1/2005 usually does not apply. The horse passport, animal welfare rules and traffic rules (trailer weight, licence category) always apply.
4. Travelling to another EU country
Moving a horse to another EU country usually requires an animal health certificate issued by an official vet in the TRACES system. Registered (breeding or sport) horses may have simplifications in some cases, but these depend on decisions of the authorities of both countries. Contact PVD in good time — several days before the trip.
Checklist
- Horse passport on board
- Transporter has a PVD authorisation and driver certificate (for paid transport)
- Travel abroad — TRACES health certificate (check with PVD)
- Vaccinations recorded in the passport (competitions often require equine flu vaccination)
- Destination contacts and address
Sources: Latvian Cabinet Regulation “Animal transport rules”, Regulation (EC) No 1/2005, European Commission — equine movements, PVD. This is general information, not legal advice.